Many fans want ‘Home of the Sooners’ refrain to stop

University of Oklahoma football fans wave flags Sept. 11, 2004, during the national anthem at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Before each game, many OU fans shout "home of the Sooners” at the end of the anthem. The chant is causing a controversy. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman Archive

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OU President David Boren, however, is asking fans to discontinue the burgeoning tradition.

"I strongly believe that the words to the national anthem should never be changed. Especially the word "brave” should be sung because it can be taken as a reference to those who have fought and given their lives for our country,” Boren said. "I sincerely hope our fans will choose to sing the national anthem with the words as they are written and then shout ‘Go Sooners’ just after the anthem is finished. To me that approach is more appropriate and honors both our country and university.”

School officials have made other attempts to end the ritual, with no success.

Before the Baylor game last month, a video message just before the anthem explained why America is home of the brave, a covert effort at persuading fans to not yell "home of the Sooners.”

Some still shouted "Sooners” at the top of their lungs, while others around them winced.

"I cringe every time the song ends,” OU fan Eddie Joslin said. "It’s not that I think people mean disrespect, they just don’t know any better.